Consider the following statements : Statement-I : There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. Statement-II : There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
- (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
- (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
- (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Why the answer is (a)
• The Sahel — the semi-arid belt south of the Sahara from Mauritania to Sudan — has become one of the world's most unstable regions, with jihadist insurgencies (JNIM, Islamic State Sahel), communal violence and millions displaced; Statement-I is correct.
• Since 2020 there have been coups in Mali (2020, 2021), Chad (2021), Burkina Faso (twice in 2022), Niger (2023) and Sudan (2021), producing a 'coup belt' across the region; Statement-II is correct.
• The coups both stem from and deepen the insecurity: juntas expelled French and UN forces, turned to Russian mercenaries and withdrew from ECOWAS, weakening coordinated counter-terrorism — so Statement-II explains Statement-I.
• Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States in 2023.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain…
- The coups directly worsen the security vacuum, so Statement-II does explain Statement-I.
- (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
- Statement-II is correct: several Sahel countries have had coups since 2020.
- (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
- Statement-I is correct: the Sahel is highly unstable.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.